Environmental Science Specialist 1 - 2

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental Science Specialist works in the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Compliance Unit as a frontline regulatory expert. The role conducts inspections of permitted sources to determine compliance with air quality permits, laws, rules, and regulations. Approximately 60% of the work is in the field, including facility visits, data collection, complaint response, and investigations. The position may be eligible for remote work within Arizona, with four days per week in the office or hoteling spaces; remote work is a management option and may be ended at the agency’s discretion.

The specialist reviews technical and program-specific documentation, communicates and documents observations, conducts tests, analyzes test data, and determines facility compliance. The role prepares detailed reports, issues formal and informal notices of compliance, and provides technical assistance to the regulated community, agency staff, and the public. It also requires independently managing work assignments and interpreting and applying air quality laws, rules, and regulations.

Requirements

• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of state and federal statutes and rules related to the Clean Air Act.
• General understanding of New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) subparts and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) subparts.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and G-Suite/Workplace.
• Ability to develop and write clear, concise compliance documentation.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in using air monitoring equipment and conducting inspections to ensure adherence to air quality standards.
• Customer service and communication skills, including explaining complex regulatory information and guiding stakeholders back into compliance.
• Ability to understand and interpret environmental rules and statutes.
• Ability to balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks and complete assignments by applicable deadlines.
• Ability to synthesize feedback, adjust plans, and summarize completed tasks and recommendations for senior staff through reports.
• Level 1 requires 0–2 years of experience; Level 2 requires 2 years of experience.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Technology, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Conduct facility site visits, data collection, complaint response, and investigations to assess adherence to air quality standards.
• Review technical and program-specific documentation.
• Communicate and document observations and conduct tests to determine compliance with environmental standards.
• Write detailed reports and issue formal and informal notices of compliance.
• Provide technical assistance to the regulated community, staff, and the public on environmental impacts and compliance.
• Manage and prioritize independent work assignments to meet project objectives.
• Interpret and apply air quality laws, rules, and regulations.
• Analyze test data to determine facility compliance status.

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Sick and annual leave accrual beginning at 12 and 13 days per year, respectively, for full-time employees.
• Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child (pilot program).
• Retirement program with lifetime pension benefits.
• Medical, dental, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program.
• Workplace flexibility to support work/life balance.
• Learning and career development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed